Ambient Light Eye Cataract Detection Using Reflected Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for detecting optical quality of the eye, such as autorefractors and aberrometers, are unable to determine the presence and severity of cataracts or other optical distortions, as they focus on the quality of vision rather than the nature of the distortion source, and require a light source to be shined into the eye.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that measures optical distortions by analyzing the intensity of ambient light reflected from the eye using multiple wavelengths, without shining a light into the eye, allowing the reflected light to serve as its own control, and using pixel values to determine refractive errors and the presence of astigmatism or cataracts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light source is shined into the eye to detect optical quality, then the detection of refractive error is enabled, but the detection of cataract presence and severity is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of shining light into the eye and analyzing reflected light patterns (conventional approach), the patent uses ambient light reflecting off the eye and analyzes the transmitted light through the pupil. This inversion of the optical path allows detection of light transmission characteristics that reveal cataract presence and severity while maintaining refractive error detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces analysis of light transmission through the pupil in addition to the conventional reflected light analysis. By examining the dimension of light transmission through the optical media (cornea, lens, vitreous), the system gains the ability to detect cataracts and other optical path abnormalities alongside refractive errors.
2Measurement precision
If a light source is shined into the eye to determine optical quality, then refractive error can be measured, but the nature of the distortion source cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional optical measurement approach by using ambient light that reflects off the eye and analyzing the light transmitted through the pupil rather than analyzing reflected light patterns. This allows the system to determine both refractive error and the nature of optical distortions (such as cataracts, corneal abnormalities, and vitreous opacities) by examining light transmission characteristics through different optical media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ambient light as an intermediary that provides information about multiple optical components simultaneously. By analyzing how ambient light transmits through the cornea, lens, and vitreous, the system can identify the specific optical media causing distortions without requiring separate measurement procedures for each component.
3Productivity
If conventional autorefractors are used to focus on quality of vision, then refractive error detection is achieved, but detection of optical distortions and cataracts is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can detect multiple optical conditions (refractive errors, cataracts, corneal abnormalities, vitreous opacities) using a single approach based on ambient light transmission analysis. This multi-functional capability allows one device to serve multiple diagnostic purposes, replacing the need for separate specialized devices for each optical condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent analyzes changes in light transmission parameters (intensity, color temperature, polarization) through the optical media to identify different optical conditions. By examining multiple parameters of light transmission rather than relying on a single measurement approach, the system can differentiate between various optical abnormalities while maintaining efficient refractive error detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate detection of refractive errors, astigmatism, and cataracts by comparing the intensity of different colors within the pupil, providing a more comprehensive assessment of optical quality without the need for additional light sources, improving the detection of optical distortions beyond conventional technology.
Implementation Method 1
analyzing the intensity of ambient light reflected from the eye using multiple wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
ambient light from the room that is always reflecting off of the retina
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for making a determination about a cataract in an eye in ambient lighting conditions.